HSE's 2025-2026 Business Plan: Key Implications for Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its Business Plan for 2025-2026 (April 2025 to March 2026) with significant developments for licensed asbestos removal contractors. As the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), we have analysed the key implications for our members.
Major Inspection Programme for Licensed Contractors
HSE will deliver 800 asbestos contractor licence compliance inspections during 2025-2026 to ensure contractors "remove and dispose of asbestos safely." HSE emphasises they will be "continuing to regulate licence compliance for asbestos contractors."
Regulatory Reform Consultation
HSE plans to "Complete proposal for consultation about targeted reform to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations" by Q4 2025-2026 (January-March 2026). This consultation will provide licensed contractors an opportunity to contribute to regulatory development.
Broader Asbestos Strategy Context
Licensed contractors operate within HSE's strategy to "address the legacy of asbestos in Great Britain by targeting those most at risk," including:
- 8,000 broad health priority inspections covering "asbestos – duty to manage"
- 700 inspections targeting "Duty to manage asbestos in public sector buildings" (40-60% enforcement rate expected)
- Enhanced communications and guidance for workers
Key Timeline
- April 2025 - March 2026: 800 contractor licence compliance inspections
- January - March 2026: Regulatory reform consultation proposal completion
- Ongoing: 14,000 total proactive inspections (including asbestos components)
HSE's Strategic Context
The asbestos programme supports HSE's objective to "Reduce work-related ill health, with a specific focus on mental health and stress" using "a blend of regulatory approaches" including driving sustainable compliance and building evidence bases.
HSE acknowledges that "demand has exceeded our capacity" in some areas and may need to "reprioritise our resources," but the 800 contractor inspections remain a defined priority.
ARCA's Response
ARCA will:
- Monitor the regulatory consultation development toward the March 2026 milestone
- Engage with HSE to represent member perspectives
- Keep members informed of regulatory developments
- Provide guidance as the consultation unfolds
Looking Ahead
The 800 planned inspections represent significant focus on our sector within HSE's 2025-2026 programme. The regulatory reform consultation, ready by March 2026, provides an important opportunity to contribute industry expertise to regulatory development.
ARCA recognises the importance of maintaining professional standards while ensuring regulatory developments support both safety objectives and viable operations. We encourage members to stay engaged with current requirements and our association throughout 2025-2026 as these developments progress.
The focus on asbestos reflects the ongoing importance of professional removal services in protecting workers and the public. Through operational excellence and constructive regulatory engagement, ARCA members continue demonstrating the vital role of licensed contractors in managing Britain's asbestos legacy safely and effectively.